1st CBCS: Sharpening skills, creating solutions

Story and photos by Airman 1st Class Joshua Magbanua
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Airmen assigned to the 1st Combat Communications Squadron look at operating procedures while setting up a satellite dish during an exercise on Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Oct. 26. Participants in the exercise aimed to test their capability to cooperate with sister branches and prepare for real-world operations.

Airmen assigned to the 1st Combat Communications Squadron conducted a readiness exercise Oct. 26 on Rhine Ordnance Barracks.

The exercise, is expected to continue for approximately two weeks and is designed to test the mission capabilities of 1st CBCS Airmen. The combat communications Airmen also partnered with the 1st Air and Space Communications Operations Squadron and U.S. Army for this training event.

Training activities include building and expanding networks, setting up satellite communications and integrating with counterparts from other branches of service.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Alexander Roosma, 1st Combat Communications Squadron mission planning and operations flight commander, said the exercise will test his Airmen’s capability to cooperate with sister branches and prepare them for real-world operations.

“The purpose of this exercise is to validate that our team is fully trained, our equipment is prepared and that we are ready to provide the communication requirements for our customers,” said Roosma, who led the 1st CBCS Airmen on the exercise. “Not only that, but we are also looking to develop new solutions on how to provide network backups for us and the Army.”

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesse Sargent, 1st CBCS tactical network operator, stressed the importance of taking exercises seriously, saying training events prepare Airmen for higher-level exercises and eventually real operations.

Sargent said that such readiness exercises are the reason for the 1st CBCS’s success.

“It’s crucial that we imitate the real world as much as possible because that’s what prepares us for game day,” he said. “We practice so much that when it comes to real-world contingency operations, we are able to effectively do what we do best from all facets.”

Sargent expressed pride in his squadron and in his career field, adding that training events give him an opportunity to improve his understanding about the communications career field and also sharpen his skills in his job.

“I love my job, and I love the chance to get out here,” he said. “It gives me a chance to hone my skills and learn about what I am doing and why I am doing and be a better technician overall.”

Senior Master Sgt. Tito Bonilla, 1st Combat Communications Squadron superintendent of mission planning and operations, assembles a cable during an exercise Oct. 26 on Rhine Ordnance Barracks. The exercise tested the squadron’s mission readiness and ability to integrate with other branches of service.
Airmen assigned to the 1st Combat Communications Squadron troubleshoot a network during an exercise Oct. 26 on Rhine Ordnance Barracks. The exercise saw participation from both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army.
Tech. Sgt. James Kamrar, 1st Combat Communications Squadron power production supervisor, right, and Senior Airman Jacob Thayer, 1st CBCS HVAC supervisor, conduct a generator check during an exercise Oct. 26 on Rhine Ordnance Barracks. Airmen assigned to the 1st CBCS not only come from the communications career field but also include civil engineers.
Staff Sgt. Jesse Sargent, 1st Combat Communications Squadron tactical network operator, measures a chord to make a cable during an exercise Oct. 26 on Rhine Ordnance Barracks. Participants in the training event emphasized competence in mission readiness, whether in exercises or real-world operations.